Wet Paint Small Debris Extractor

ABSTRACT

A small debris extractor for removing debris from wet paint. The small debris extractor provides a focused vacuum allowing insects, dust, and other small debris to be removed from wet paint without disrupting the paint finish. The various embodiments of the small debris extractor include an integral pressurized air source or connect to an external pressurized air source. The pressurized air passes through the small debris extractor to create a vacuum in a hose extending from the body. The vacuum has sufficient suction to extract the small debris from the paint and insufficient volume to disrupt the paint finish.

BACKGROUND

Small, airborne debris, such as dirt or dust particles and insects, contacting wet paint cause imperfections in the paint finish. This is a significant problem when painting automobiles and other objects. While the paint is wet, the debris or insect can be physically removed from the paint using a cloth or an object with a relatively fine point (e.g., a toothpick); however, such physical contact disrupts the surface of the paint and prevents the paint from having a smooth, uniform finish. Generally, imperfections in surface must be sanded and repainted after the paint dries. Once the paint is dry, removing an imperfection is accomplished by actions such as sanding or scraping, which damages the paint finish. The inevitable result of removing imperfections from wet or dry paint is that some or all of the object must be repainted. Repainting an object wastes valuable resources and time. It was with these problems in mind that the present invention was conceived.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following Brief Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Brief Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The small debris extractor provides a focused vacuum allowing insects, dust, and other small debris to be removed from wet paint without disrupting the paint finish. The various embodiments of the small debris extractor include an integral pressurized air source or connect to an external pressurized air source. The pressurized air passes through the small debris extractor to create a vacuum in a hose extending from the housing. The vacuum has sufficient suction to extract the small debris from the paint without coming in physical contact with the small debris or the wet paint.

The small debris extractor includes a housing, a valve to control the air flow through the housing of the small debris extractor, a vacuum hose, and a replaceable vacuum tip. The vacuum hose is connected to a vacuum port defined by the housing. The vacuum tip attaches to the free end of the vacuum hose. The vacuum tip is tapered to a small diameter opening. The valve interfaces the housing to a pressurized fluid source. The valve includes a control that adjusts the air flow through the housing.

The housing defines an air channel and a vacuum port. The air channel connects the air inlet, the air outlet, and the vacuum port outlet. An obstruction in the air channel reduces restricts air flow and creating a low pressure area above the vacuum port. The low pressure area above the vacuum port causes a vacuum due to the Venturi effect.

An optional stem is installed in the vacuum port. Generally, the stem and the vacuum hose have the same inside diameter. The vacuum hose fits over the externally accessible portion of the stem or is coupled to the stem. The housing defines a pair of optional relief ports, which may be required by some safety codes. In the event the air outlet is blocked, the relief ports allow air to escape from the air channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, aspects, and advantages of the invention represented by the embodiments described and claimed in the present disclosure will become better understood by reference to the accompanying figures, wherein the pictured elements are not necessarily to scale, wherein some elements are exaggerated or omitted to more clearly show details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the small debris extractor;

FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of one embodiment of the housing of the small debris extractor;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the housing of the small debris extractor;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of one embodiment of the housing of the small debris extractor;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of the housing of the small debris extractor showing the location of the vacuum port;

FIG. 6 is side elevation section view of one embodiment of the housing of the small debris extractor taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is side elevation section view of an alternate embodiment of the housing of the small debris extractor taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a top plan section view of the embodiment of the housing of the small debris extractor from FIG. 6 taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A small debris extractor for removing debris from wet paint is described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures. The small debris extractor is an air tool that provides a focused vacuum allowing insects, dust, and other small debris to be removed from wet paint without disrupting the paint finish. The various embodiments of the small debris extractor include an integral pressurized air source or connect to an external pressurized air source. The pressurized air passes through the small debris extractor to create a vacuum in a hose extending from the housing. The vacuum has sufficient suction to extract the small debris from the paint without coming in physical contact with the small debris or the wet paint.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the small debris extractor 100. The small debris extractor includes a housing 102, a valve 104 to control the air flow, a vacuum hose 106, and a replaceable vacuum tip 108. The vacuum tip (i.e., nozzle) attaches to the free end of the vacuum hose. The vacuum tip is tapered to a small diameter opening 110. The inside diameter of the vacuum tip opening 110 is less than approximately 0.5 mm (0.0197 in). In various embodiments, the inside diameter of the vacuum tip opening 110 ranges from approximately 0.1 mm (0.004 in) to approximately 0.4 mm (0.016 in).

The valve 104 interfaces the housing 102 to a pressurized fluid source 112. Suitable pressurized fluid sources include, but are not limited to, air compressors, cartridges, and pumps. In various embodiments, the pressurized fluid source is external to the small debris extractor and placed in fluid communication with the small debris extractor via an air hose. In other embodiments, the pressurized fluid source is integral to the pressurized fluid source (e.g., a powered pump or pressurized fluid cartridge). For convenience, the pressurized fluid is generally referred to as air (e.g., compressed air); however, other pressurized gasses may be used. The valve includes a control 114 that adjusts the air flow through the housing. In various embodiments, the control operates to turn the small debris extractor on and off. In other embodiments, the control also operates to vary the amount of suction provided by the small debris extractor. For simplicity, the control generally includes a manually operable knob or dial that is turned to adjust the air flow; however, other types of controls such as, without limitation, electronically controlled valves, are suitable for adjusting the air flow.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing is shaped to be held in one hand with the control positioned to be manipulated by the holder's fingers and/or thumb. In other embodiments, the small debris extractor is held, carried, or worn using a handle or strap attached to or defined by the housing. Alternatively, the housing is shaped to rest on a stationary surface (e.g., a floor or shelf) or a portable support (e.g., a stand). The embodiment where the housing and valve are carried and controlled in one hand and the alternate hands free embodiments permits the user's other hand to manipulate the vacuum tip so as to remove small debris from the wet paint.

FIGS. 2 through 5 illustrate other views of the housing. FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of one embodiment of the housing 102 of the small debris extractor showing an optional relief port 202. FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the housing 102 of the small debris extractor showing an air outlet 302 defined by the front face 304 housing 102. FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of one embodiment of the housing of the small debris extractor showing an air inlet 402 defined by the rear face 404 housing 102. FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of the housing of the small debris extractor showing a vacuum port 502 defined by the housing 102.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are sectional side elevation views of alternate embodiments of the housing of the small debris extractor. The housing defines an air channel 602 and the vacuum port 502. The air channel 602 connects and creates fluid communication between the air inlet 402, the air outlet 302, and the vacuum port outlet 604. The output of the valve is connected to the inlet of the housing using any suitable fastener or bond. Examples of suitable types of fasteners and bonds include, but are not limited to, mechanical fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners, clamps, rivets, and frictional fits), chemical fasteners (e.g., adhesives), and thermal fasteners. In various embodiments, the inlet of the housing and the output side of the valve are threaded allowing ready connection and disconnection. In other embodiments, the valve is integrally formed with the housing. In various embodiments, the air channel 602 includes a female receiving portion that receives the male portion of the valve. The female portion generally has a larger diameter than the remainder of the air channel 602 to accommodate the outside diameter of the valve. In various embodiments, the valve generally has an inside diameter approximately equal to or larger than the inside diameter of the air channel. Alternatively, a female portion of the valve fits over a male portion extending from the housing.

In various embodiments, the inside diameters of the air channel and the vacuum port are substantially equal. In some embodiments, the inside diameter of the vacuum port is smaller than the inside diameter of the air channel. In various embodiments, the inside diameter of the air channel is approximately 15 times the inside diameter of vacuum tip opening. In other embodiments, the inside diameter of the air channel ranges from approximately 5 times the inside diameter of vacuum tip opening to approximately 25 times the inside diameter of vacuum tip opening. The direction of air flow through the air channel and the vacuum port is represented by the arrows and the thickness of the arrow generally represents the relative air pressure.

The vacuum hose 106 is operably connected to the vacuum port 502 using any suitable fastener or bond. Examples of suitable types of fasteners and bonds include, but are not limited to, mechanical fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners, clamps, rivets, and frictional fits), chemical fasteners (e.g., adhesives), and thermal fasteners. In various embodiments, a stem 610 is installed in the vacuum port 502. Generally, the stem and the vacuum hose have the same inside diameter. The vacuum hose fits over the externally accessible portion of the stem or is coupled to the stem. In other embodiments, the stem is omitted and the vacuum hose is inserted into the vacuum port. In such cases, the diameter of a portion of the end of the vacuum port is increased to accommodate the outside diameter of the vacuum hose.

The air channel includes a vacuum port region above the vacuum port outlet where the air pressure is lower than in the remainder of the air channel. In FIG. 6, the end of stem 610 does not extend into the air channel 602. A flange 612 located proximate to and before (relative to the direction of air flow) the vacuum port region has an opening with a smaller cross-sectional area having a smaller inside diameter than the inside diameter of the air channel 602 creates an obstruction restricting air flow and creating a low pressure area 614 above the vacuum port 502. The low pressure area 614 above the vacuum port causes a vacuum 616 due to the Venturi effect. The diameter of the restriction is sized to pull a selected amount of vacuum at the vacuum port due to the pressure differential.

In the alternate embodiment of FIG. 7, the end of the stem 610 extends into the air channel 602 and creates an obstruction 702 restricting air flow and creating a low pressure area 614 above the vacuum port 502. The height of the obstruction 702 created by the stem diameter is sized to pull a selected amount of vacuum at the vacuum port. During assembly, the position of the stem 610 is adjusted until the desired amount of vacuum is achieved and then the position of the stem is fixed in the vacuum port (e.g., the stem is glued in place). Generally, the height of the obstruction is less than half of the inside diameter of air channel. In various embodiments, the height of the obstruction ranges from approximately ⅓ of the inside diameter of air channel to approximately 1/20 of the inside diameter of air channel.

FIG. 8 is a sectional top plan view of the embodiment of the housing 102 of the small debris extractor from FIG. 6. The housing 102 defines a pair of optional relief ports 202, which may be required by some safety codes. In the event the air outlet 302 is blocked, the relief ports 202 allow air to escape 802 from the air channel 602.

In operation, the small diameter of the vacuum tip limits the size of the stream of the vacuum that interacts with the wet paint and small debris. The small size of the stream limits the volume of paint that is affected by the vacuum. The vacuum has sufficient pull to extract small debris when the vacuum tip is brought in close proximity to the small debris. Debris small enough to fit through the vacuum tip opening and wet paint captured by the small debris extractor passes through the vacuum port and is ejected from the small debris extractor by the air stream passing through the air channel. Larger debris may block the vacuum tip opening and may be manually removed from the vacuum tip or the vacuum tip may be replaced with a fresh vacuum tip. In various embodiments, the vacuum hose is also replaceable in the event of damage or a blockage. The small debris extractor has no moving parts to wear out or become clogged with paint. Further, the constant, rapid air flow through the vacuum hose, vacuum port, and the air channel prevent wet paint from being deposited and clogging the small debris extractor.

Because the small debris extractor does not require physical contact with the wet paint, the movement of the wet paint is not inhibited. As a result, some or all of the forces acting on the wet paint generally cause the surrounding wet paint to fill in the area vacated by the small debris leaving a substantially uniform surface when the paint dries. Examples of the forces involved include the action of the vacuum drawing wet paint to the area vacated by the small debris and surface tension that pulls wet paint lifted by the vacuum back and redistributes the wet paint creating a substantially uniform surface. Although the dimensions have been expressed as inside diameters, other measures such as the cross-sectional area can be used.

The description and illustration of one or more embodiments provided in this application is not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the invention as claimed in any way. The embodiments, examples, and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimed invention. The claimed invention should not be construed as being limited to any embodiment, example, or detail provided in this application. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this application that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for extracting small debris from wet paint, said apparatus comprising: a housing defining a channel and a vacuum port, said channel having an inlet and an outlet, said vacuum port outlet connecting to said channel between said inlet and said outlet, said channel having an inside diameter and a first region located above said vacuum port; a obstruction proximate to said first region of said channel, said obstruction blocking a portion of said channel thereby creating a lower fluid pressure in said first region; a valve operatively connected to said channel inlet, said valve having at least an open position and a closed position, said open position allowing fluid to blow through said channel, said closed position preventing fluid from blowing through said channel, said valve adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source; a hose having a first end and a second end, said first end operatively engaging said vacuum port; and a vacuum tip connected to said hose second end and tapered to an opening substantially smaller than said channel inside diameter.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that said obstruction is a flange located between said first region and said vacuum port and proximate to said vacuum port, said flange defining an opening having an inside diameter less than an inside diameter of said channel.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stem having a first end and a second end, said first end installed in said vacuum port and said second end extending out of said housing from said vacuum port.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 characterized in that said obstruction is an obstructing portion of said first end of said stem extending into said channel first region.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 characterized in that said obstructing portion has a height sized to draw a selected amount of vacuum at said vacuum port.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 characterized in that the ratio of said channel inside diameter to said obstructing portion height is in the range of approximately 3:1 to approximately 20:1.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that said vacuum tip opening has a diameter less than approximately 0.5 mm.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the ratio of said channel inside diameter to said diameter of said vacuum tip opening is in the range of approximately 5:1 to approximately 25:1.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the ratio of said channel inside diameter to said diameter of said vacuum tip opening is approximately 15:1.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that said valve further comprises a control for moving said valve between said open position and said closed position.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that said pressurized fluid source travels with said housing.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that said pressurized fluid source is remote from said housing.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that said pressurized fluid source is an air compressor.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that said valve further comprises a control operable by a hand holding said housing.
 15. An apparatus for extracting small debris from wet paint, said apparatus comprising: a housing defining a channel and a vacuum port, said channel and said vacuum port being in fluid communication, said channel having an inside diameter and a first region located above said vacuum port; an obstruction blocking a portion of said channel thereby creating a lower fluid pressure in said first region; a valve operatively connected to said channel and adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source, said valve controlling fluid flow through said channel; a hose having a first end and a second end, said first end operatively connected to said vacuum port; and a vacuum tip releasably connected to said hose second end and tapered to an opening substantially smaller than said channel inside diameter.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 characterized in that said valve further comprises a control operable by a hand holding said housing.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a stem positioned within said vacuum port, said obstruction being a portion of said stem extending into said channel.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15 characterized in that said obstruction is a flange located between said first region and said vacuum port and proximate to said vacuum port, said flange defining an opening having an inside diameter less than an inside diameter of said channel.
 19. An apparatus for extracting small debris from wet paint, said apparatus comprising: a housing defining a channel and a vacuum port, said channel and said vacuum port being in fluid communication, said channel having an inlet with a first cross-sectional area and an outlet with a second cross-sectional area; an obstruction forming a region in said channel having an effective cross-sectional area less than said channel first cross-sectional area and said channel second cross-sectional area thereby creating a lower fluid pressure above said vacuum port; a hose having a first end and a second end, said first end operatively connected to said vacuum port; and a vacuum tip connected to said hose second end and tapered to an opening having a cross-sectional area substantially smaller than said air channel cross-sectional area.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 characterized in that said obstruction is a flange. 